High-Tech Crime Investigative Resources

High-tech crime investigators at all levels can benefit from tools and resources that provide targeted information, strategies and tips. The stakes are high—online fraud, Internet bullying, child exploitation, identity theft, and more—with nearly every crime today leaving a digital footprint. Collected here is a range of SEARCH resources developed for high-tech crime investigators.

While most investigators today have a working knowledge of the Internet, they may not be aware of the many free tools available that can take that basic knowledge and turn it into something more robust. While these tools help to streamline and enhance investigations, they are not considered too high-tech or advanced for the basic investigator to master. These podcasts offer the knowledge and insight of practitioners in conducting the three main components of an online investigation: people searching, information searching, and capturing/saving data.

See our Podcasts page for detailed descriptions of each podcast and the participants, as well as links to resources offered by the practitioners we interviewed.

The SEARCH Investigative Toolbar is an aid for investigators who conduct online, cellular telephone, or wireless network investigations. Once installed, it becomes a readily available desktop resource that contains some of the most frequently used and up-to-date online investigative links for law enforcement. Learn more about the Toolbar

Note: Users must download the Toolbar Installation Guide, which provides download and installation instructions for the Toolbar itself. We strongly advise all users to follow these instructions carefully.

Social Networking Sites: Investigative Tools and TechniquesThis course is suitable for ALL law enforcement investigators—high-tech crime, gangs, homicide, vice, property crimes, narcotics, or other details. It covers tools, techniques and tips for investigating Myspace and other social networking sites.

Basic Computer Skills for Law Enforcement This course is designed for investigators planning to attend advanced onsite computer investigation courses through SEARCH, the National White Collar Crime Center, and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program. This course will guide you through basic computer skills and will ensure that you are sufficiently prepared to attend future computer investigation classes.

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This Web site is funded in part through a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this Web site (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided).

These are law enforcement-sensitive documents, and their distribution is limited to law enforcement investigators. Please fill out the following information to request any of these documents. We will contact you soon regarding your request.

These are law enforcement-sensitive documents, and their distribution is limited to law enforcement investigators. Please fill out the following information to request a copy of any of these documents. We will contact you soon regarding your request.

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Authenticating Evidence Found in Cyberspace

How to Google More Effectively

A Law Enforcement Investigator's Guide to Basic Digital Officer Safety